A number of the following treatments are those that need to be carried out by healthcare professionals. Consult your GP if you have any signs of foot damage and your health team should arrange an appointment and/or treatment.

Amputation

Amputation is the last resort when it comes to treatment of foot problems but a last resort that may be required if foot problems progress to a severe level.

This is more likely if foot problems are not treated quickly enough which is why it is important to notify your doctor of any sings of damage or change in the condition of your feet.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment

HBO treatment involves placing a wounded foot and leg within an environment of pure oxygen delivered at high pressure. Wounds need oxygen to heal and research has shown that a pure oxygen environment can help to speed to speed up the wound healing process.

Sessions in the chamber may vary from 30 to 120 minutes. After the treatment the pressure is gradually decreased to reduce the chance of symptoms such as light headedness or nausea.

Larval therapy (maggot therapy)

You may make you feel squeamish but the method is effective at precisely removing dead tissue whilst leaving healthy tissue intact and can help to improve the success of healing.

Orthoses

Foot orthoses are devices which are designed to provide support to limbs and/or relieve pressure. Examples of different orthoses are ankle braces, which help to control movement of muscles and specialist foam or gel insoles, which help to relieve and spread out pressure on the sole of the foot.

Plaster casts

Plaster casts are a solid casing made out of bandages and plaster of Paris (or sometimes an alternative hard substance).

Plaster casts are used to help broken bones heal by keeping the bones from moving. Plaster casts may be used in people with Charcot foot to help fractured or broken bones.

Surgery

Surgery may be carried out to treat a number of foot problems ranging from corn or verruca removal through to more involved surgery such as to treat Charcot foot, hammer toes or bunions.

Surgery, particularly more involved surgery, may be carried out under a local or general anaesthetic.

Total contact casts

A total contact cast is a fibreglass shell that can resemble a plaster cast. Total contact casts may be used to help the healing of foot ulcers unless severe ischaemia (severe lack of blood flow to the foot) or peripheral arterial disease is present. Total contact casts may also be used for treatment of other foot problems including Charcot foot.

A total contact cast covers the whole foot and is designed to fit tightly to prevent rubbing of the skin. The cast has a foam layer under the foot and is designed to keep pressure off the ulcer when walking or standing.